Foot-operated steering and control system for a variety of watercraft with dual propulsion units.

ABSTRACT

A steering and control system which utilizes simple movement of an operator&#39;s feet to independently vary thrust from a pair of propulsion units, each mounted on opposite sides of a centerline of a watercraft. By varying an amount and direction of thrust, the watercraft may be steered in a multitude of directions, propelled at varying speeds, and turned completely around in a short distance.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention is generally directed to steering and control devices for watercraft and, more specifically, to such devices which utilize a movement of an operator's feet to independently vary an amount and direction of thrust from a pair of propulsion units, each mounted on opposite sides of the watercraft's centerline, for the purpose of controlling the forward/rearward direction, speed, and steering of the watercraft.

2. History of the Related Art

Over the years there have been a number of innovations directed to enabling watercraft to be powered and steered by a propulsion system. Many of these systems are specifically designed to facilitate the use of watercraft for sport fishing and thus utilize controls which are manipulated by an operator's feet so that the operator's hands remain free for the use of fishing or other equipment.

Among others, U.S. Pat. No. 2,804,838 to Moser and U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,705 to Bechtel disclose systems utilizing a foot control but are limited to a single propulsion unit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,144 to Horton describes a propelled watercraft using two trolling motors and on-off pressure switches mounted on a portable support, but not foot controlled.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,213,520 to Gentry discloses a foot control system which incorporates two separate electrical motors which are mounted to the two opposite sides of a boat or watercraft. Wherein, it is possible to use reverse propulsion of one motor relative to the other in order to assist in turning the boat about itself. Unfortunately, only the direction, not the speed, may be controlled. Therefore, precise control is limited.

Yet another device, U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,579 to Childre, discloses a pair of reversible electric motors mounted in a fixed angle relationship to each other on a single shaft. Unfortunately, the foot plate is operated by one foot and rockers to each of four corners to actuate forward right motor, reverse right motor, forward left motor, or reverse left motor. To change speed, the foot must be lifted from the plate and moved to the speed control wheel. Again, precise control is limited.

In 1986, U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,033 to Meene describes the early standard trolling motor foot control whose rocker pedal controls the rotation of the shaft of a single trolling motor and thus the steering of the boat. This invention is not intuitive and controls only one motor. A separate toe wheel controls speed.

In 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,713 to Bruce Lee recognized that a commonly available foot pedal could be mounted on a plate that slides on a track to keep the pedal in proximity with an operator's foot when the operator is swiveling in a chair. It did not address multiple pedals or multiple motors.

In 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,706 to Young revealed that Bruce Lee's sliding plate could be put on wheels to function better, but still did not address multiple controls or motors.

In 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,187 to Smith used a motor and screw to rotate the shaft on a single trolling motor. Again this did not use foot controls to differentially steer multiple motors.

More relative, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,875 to Lee discloses a propulsion and steering system for dual motors mounted to a boat, especially of the trolling motor type, which incorporates a pair of foot pedals which are electrically connected between a battery and the motors and which are operable to independently control the direction of thrust and speed of the motors so that the motors are used to both propel and steer the boat. Lee's foot control means includes a foot pedal that has toe and heel portions and pivots about a single axis generally perpendicular to the elongated axis extending between said toe and heel portions(under the foot). Lee limits his invention with initial switch and potentiometer wiring that is not conducive to modern-day trolling motors with fixed speeds. Lee missed the opportunity to pivot the pedal about an axis closer to an operator's ankle for a more ergonomic control and longer sweep for more precise control. Lee also missed the opportunity to use a forward and rearward movement of the foot for a longer travel resulting in a more precise speed control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a steering and control system for a variety of watercraft utilizing a power source and two propulsion units, each attached in varying ways on opposite sides of the centerline of a watercraft. Control units, operated by movement of an operator's feet, independently vary forward/rearward direction of thrust and amount of thrust delivered from each propulsion unit. At rest, with operator's legs and feet relaxed, the controls are in neutral position and no thrust is delivered from the propulsion units. As one of the operator's feet is moved or pivoted progressively forward, the corresponding control unit varies power from the source to the corresponding left or right propulsion unit which delivers increasing thrust in the proper direction, resulting in a corresponding side of the watercraft being propelled forward with increasing speed. Applying approximately equal forward distance or pivotation with both feet will keep the watercraft on a fairly straight course at a fairly constant speed. Varying the distance or pivotation will steer the watercraft. Progressively pulling or pivoting backward on one of the operator's feet operates the control unit which varies power from the source to the corresponding propulsion unit resulting in an increasingly rearward motion of the corresponding side of the craft. Again, by varying the rearward distance or pivotation between the feet, speed and steering may be achieved in a rearward direction. Depending on the location of the propulsion units, pulling or pivoting backward on one foot while pushing or pivoting forward on the other will turn the watercraft around in a very short distance.

Each control may include switches, resistance wiring, potentiometers, and/or readily available electronic speed control components to vary direction and speed of the propulsion units depending on the positions of an operator's feet.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a steering and control system utilizing the simple movement of an operator's feet to independently vary thrust from a pair of propulsion units, each mounted on opposite sides of the centerline of a watercraft. By varying the direction and amount of thrust, the watercraft may be steered in a multitude of directions, propelled at varying speeds, and turned completely around in a short distance.

It is also an embodiment of the present invention to provide an electrical control system for watercraft wherein a pair of motors is controlled through foot positioning with the speed of the motors being related to the independent amount of pivotable or longitudinal movement of the operator's feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a typical watercraft with dual propulsion units having the steering and control units of the present invention mounted thereto.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the typical watercraft of FIG. 1 showing the steering and control units of the present invention mounted thereto.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a means of converting a forward/rearward motion to a rotary motion required to operate a typical control unit which is in motion with foot position device.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a means of converting a forward/rearward motion to a rotary motion required to operate a typical control unit which is mounted in a fixed position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a means of converting a forward/rearward motion to the required connection of power from the source to a propulsion unit wired for fixed forward and reverse speeds.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a means (not claimed) of converting a pivotable movement of the operator's foot to a rotary motion required to operate a typical control unit mounted in a fixed position. This method is similar to Lee's design and inferior to this invention.

FIG. 7 shows the uncomfortable movement of an operator's foot using the foot pedal claimed in Lee's U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,875.

FIG. 8 shows the (claimed) ergonomically preferred pivot near the operator's ankle which is superior to Lee's design in both comfort and range of motion and is included in this patent.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With continued reference to the drawings, the steering and control system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as being utilized with a small boat or watercraft 101 which is shown as, but not limited to, a one person watercraft. Also shown are control units 105, tracks 104, propulsion units 102, and power source 120. Propulsion units 105 include a motor and a propulsion means.

The basic operation of the steering and control system is shown in FIG. 2. At rest, an operator's leg is relaxed and his foot rests in a foot receptacle 206, which is in a neutral position 208. At this position 208, no power is transmitted from the power source 120 through the control unit 105 to the propulsion unit 102, shown in FIG. 1. As the operator pushes a left or right foot forward to position 209 and beyond, the corresponding control unit 105 progressively delivers power from the source 120 to the corresponding propulsion unit 102. The propulsion unit delivers force in the proper direction 203 to move the corresponding side of the watercraft 101 forward at a progressive rate. A similar process takes place when the operator pulls back on foot receptacle 206 with the operator's heel. As the receptacle 206 progressively moves rearward, the control unit 105 receives power from the source 120 and progressively delivers the power to the corresponding propulsion unit 102 which directs progressively more force in direction 204 which moves and increases speed of the corresponding side of the watercraft 101 in a rearward motion.

In FIG. 3, the steering and control system of the present invention includes left and right foot receptacles 206, which when fastened to brackets 306 & 302 and surface 303 may also be considered a variation of a foot receptacle. These foot receptacles 206 glide forward and rearward along individual tracks 104. Track 104 is fastened to a floor or deck of the watercraft 101. Also attached to bracket 302 is a common rotary operated control unit 105 available from the manufacturer of a currently available propulsion unit 102 such as, but not limited to, a trolling motor, electrically driven pump, or screw drive. To convert the forward/rearward motion of the operator's foot to the rotary motion required of the common control unit 105, a pulley 305 is attached to a shaft of the control unit 105 and a cable 306 is wrapped around pulley 305 and anchored near the ends of track 104 as shown in FIG. 3 when it is desirable that the control unit 105 move with the foot receptacle 206.

Alternately, FIG. 4 shows a spur gear 405 attached to the shaft of the common control unit 105 which is fastened to the floor or deck of watercraft 101. A multi-toothed rack 407 is attached to the surface 303 which glides along track 104. As the operator's foot, resting in the foot receptacle 206, moves forward or rearward, the rack 407 rotates spur gear 405 which alters control unit 105.

In FIG. 5, an alternate foot receptacle 506 with multiple heel pockets is shown with contacts 510 fastened underneath. Leads from the power source are attached separately to contacts 510. Contacts 520 are attached to a track 504. Foot receptacle 506 slides along track 504 while contacts 510 transfer electrical current from the power source 120 proper contacts 520 to vary speed and direction as required by a multiple fixed speed motor contained within a propulsion unit 102, shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 6, a foot pedal 601 is supported by brackets 602 and pivots about an axis 605 generally close to the floor of the pedal where an operators foot rests. The shaft of a control unit 105 is rotated when the operator's foot rocks the foot pedal. Though simple to manufacture and utilized in U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,875, this pedal assembly is not recommended.

In FIG. 7, An operator's foot 701 and foot pedal 601 from FIG. 6 are shown in solid line form to indicate the forward-most achievable pivotation from an operator's foot. The foot 701 and foot pedal 601 are shown in broken line form to indicate the rearward-most achievable pivotation from an operator's foot. Note the uncomfortable travel of the operator's ankle 702 and the limited rotation 705 resulting about axis 605.

In FIG. 8, the operator's foot 701 rests on a more ergonomically designed foot pedal 802 which pivots about the more logical axis 801 which is generally aligned with operator's ankle 702. This arrangement provides approximately 60% more rotation 805 than the arrangement shown in FIG. 7; is significantly more comfortable for the operator; and demonstrates sufficient difference from previous patents.

It should be noted that commonly available trolling motors come in a variety of voltages, multiple fixed speeds, variable speeds, and controls. Trolling motors with rotating tiller handles adapt well to this invention when the manufacturer's rotary control unit 105 behind the tiller handle is used and the invention system converts its forward/rearward motion to the rotary motion required.

It should also be noted that this steering and control system could be utilized on a variety of watercraft equipped with at least two propulsion units, each located on either side of the watercraft's centerline. The system is compatible with, but not limited to, propulsion units such as electrically powered trolling motors, ducted propellers, impellers, centrifugal and axial pumps, paddlewheels, and surface propellers. The system also functions equally well with potentiometers and other metering means attached to the foot control units for input to electronic variable speed controllers which vary the power from a power source 120 to the motors within the propulsion units 102. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. In a steering and control system for watercraft which includes a pair of electrically operated motors for driving propulsion means and wherein separate mounting means are provided in a spaced relationship to one another for suspending the motors from opposite sides of a centerline of the watercraft and wherein a source of electrical power is provided for energizing the motors the improvement comprising, a pair of foot control means, first means for electrically connecting said source of electrical power energy to one of said foot control means and a first of said motors and second means for electrically connecting said source of electrical power to the other of said foot control means and the second of said motors, each of said foot control means including a pedal having toe and heel portions, means for pivotally supporting each of said pedals so that each pedal is pivotable about a single axis taken generally perpendicular to an elongated axis extending between toe and heel portions of each pedal and significantly offset to be closer to an operator's ankle joint, said pedals being movable from a neutral position wherein neither of said toe or heel portions are depressed to a forward position wherein said toe position is depressed and a reverse position wherein said heel portion is depressed, each of said foot control means including a forward switch means for activating said motors for operating in a forward direction when said toe portion of said pedal is depressed, each of said foot control means having a reverse switch means for activating said motors in a reverse direction when said heel portion of said pedal is depressed, each of said foot control means including power regulating means operable in response to the further depression of said toe or heel portions of said pedals to alter the power being supplied through said forward or reverse switch means to thereby regulate the speed of said motors in a forward or reverse direction when activated by said forward or reverse switch means whereby each of said foot control means controls a separate one of said motors so that the direction of thrust of each said motors as well as the speed of each said motors is separately controlled.
 16. The steering and control system of claim 15 in which each of said foot control means includes resilient means for biasing said pedals to said neutral position.
 17. The steering and control system of claim 15 in which said switch means accomplishes proper electrical connections between said power source and said motors for each fixed forward and reverse speeds on typically available multiple fixed speed motors.
 18. The steering and control system of claim 15 in which said switch means includes a potentiometer or other metering means to supply input to a commonly available electronic variable speed controller which will alter the power from the power source to the propulsion units in order to vary the direction and speed of said motors.
 19. In a steering and control system for watercraft which includes a pair of electrically operated motors for driving propulsion means and wherein separate mounting means are provided in a spaced relationship to one another for suspending the motors from opposite sides of a centerline of the watercraft and wherein a source of electrical power is provided for energizing the motors the improvement comprising, a pair of foot control means, first means for electrically connecting said source of electrical power energy to one of said foot control means and a first of said motors and second means for electrically connecting said source of electrical power to the other of said foot control means and the second of said motors, each of said foot control means including a foot receptacle, said foot receptacle being movable along a track from a neutral position wherein an operator's foot should reside in a fairly relaxed position, neither engaging the foot receptacle to a forward position wherein said foot receptacle is moved forward of the neutral position nor rearward of the neutral position to a reverse position, each of said foot control means including a forward switch means for activating said motors for operating in a forward direction when said foot receptacle is moved forward of the neutral position, each of said foot control means having a reverse switch means for activating said motors in a reverse direction when said foot receptacle is moved rearward of the neutral position, each of said foot control means including power regulating means operable in response to the further forward or rearward movement of said foot receptacles to alter the power being supplied through said forward or reverse switch means to thereby regulate the speed of said motors in a forward or reverse direction when activated by said forward or reverse switch means whereby each of said foot control means controls a separate one of said motors so that the direction of thrust of each said motors as well as the speed of each said motors is separately controlled.
 20. The steering and control system of claim 19 in which each of said foot control means includes resilient means for biasing said foot receptacles to said neutral position.
 21. The steering and control system of claim 19 in which said switch means accomplishes proper electrical connections between said power source and said motors for each fixed forward and reverse speeds of typically available multiple fixed speed motors.
 22. The steering and control system of claim 19 in which said switch means includes a potentiometer or other metering means to supply input to a commonly available electronic variable speed controller which will alter the power from the power source to vary the direction and speed of said motors.
 23. The steering and control system of claim 19 in which said foot receptacle pivots slightly forward and rearward.
 24. In a steering and control system for watercraft which includes a pair of power driven propulsion units and wherein separate mounting means are provided in a spaced relationship to one another for suspending the propulsion units from opposite sides of a centerline of the watercraft and wherein a source of power is provided for energizing the propulsion units the improvement comprising, a pair of foot control means, first means for connecting said source of power to one of said foot control means and a first of said propulsion units and second means for connecting said source of power to the other of said foot control means and the second of said propulsion units, each of said foot control means including a pedal having toe and heel portions, means for pivotally supporting each of said pedals so that each pedal is pivotable about a single axis taken generally perpendicular to an elongated axis extending between toe and heel portions of each pedal and significantly offset to be closer to an operator's ankle joint, said pedals being movable from a neutral position wherein neither of said toe or heel portions are depressed to a forward position wherein said toe position is depressed and a reverse position wherein said heel portion is depressed, each of said foot control means including a forward power regulating means for activating said propulsion units for operating in a forward direction when said toe portion of said pedal is depressed, each of said foot control means having a reverse power regulating means for activating said propulsion units in a reverse direction when said heel portion of said pedal is depressed, each of said foot control means including power regulating means operable in response to the further depression of said toe or heel portions of said pedals to alter the power being supplied through said forward or reverse power regulating means to thereby regulate the speed of said propulsion units in a forward or reverse direction when activated by said forward or reverse power regulating means whereby each of said foot control means controls a separate one of said propulsion units so that the direction of thrust of each said propulsion units as well as the speed of each said propulsion units is separately controlled.
 25. In a steering and control system for watercraft which includes a pair of power driven propulsion units and wherein separate mounting means are provided in a spaced relationship to one another for suspending the propulsion units from opposite sides of a centerline of the watercraft and wherein a source of power is provided for energizing the propulsion units the improvement comprising, a pair of foot control means, first means for connecting said source of power energy to one of said foot control means and a first of said propulsion units and second means for connecting said source of power to the other of said foot control means and the second of said propulsion units, each of said foot control means including a foot receptacle, said foot receptacle being movable along a track from a neutral position wherein an operator's foot should reside in a fairly relaxed position, neither engaging the foot receptacle to a forward position wherein said foot receptacle is moved forward of the neutral position nor rearward of the neutral position to a reverse position, each of said foot control means including a forward power regulating means for activating said propulsion units for operating in a forward direction when said foot receptacle is moved forward of the neutral position, each of said foot control means having a reverse power regulating means for activating said propulsion units in a reverse direction when said foot receptacle is moved rearward of the neutral position, each of said foot control means including power regulating means operable in response to the further forward or rearward movement of said foot receptacles to alter the power being supplied through said forward or reverse switch means to thereby regulate the speed of said propulsion units in a forward or reverse direction when activated by said forward or reverse power regulating means whereby each of said foot control means controls a separate one of propulsion units so that the direction of thrust of each said propulsion units as well as the speed of each said propulsion units is separately controlled. 